No one looks forward to chemotherapy. But if you are facing "chemo" for your cancer, you know that the treatments could be key to prolonging your life or even curing your disease. Bolstering your health with good nutrition is vital during chemo, says the National Cancer Institute, which advises patients to pay special attention to their diets at this time.
About Chemo
Chemotherapy treatments use strong drugs to kill the cancer cells in your body. Whether taken orally or through the bloodstream, chemo drugs can cause side effects because they also damage healthy cells, the American Cancer Society explains. Most vulnerable to damage are your bone marrow, hair and digestive organs. Side effects vary, but the ACS advises that common problems include loss of appetite, changes in your senses of taste and smell, sensitivity or sores in your mouth, nausea, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, fatigue and a decrease in white blood cells, which raises the risk for infection.
Nutrition Advice
Your doctor can help you prepare for chemo and learn about medicines that might help avoid side effects. Before treatments start, you should eat a balanced, healthy diet to build up your strength, the National Cancer Institute recommends. That includes fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains, with a minimum of sugar, saturated fat, alcohol and salt. Stock up on healthful foods that are easy to prepare, perhaps freezing some meals in advance. The National Cancer Institute notes that during chemo, you might need extra protein and calories from foods like milk, cheese, eggs, sauces and gravies--foods you'll want to limit when you go back to a normal diet.
Timing
Try to have a light meal or snack about an hour before your chemo treatment, the American Cancer Society advises. If your treatment will be lengthy, bring a snack with you as well. Stick to regular meals and snacks if your appetite is good, but if nausea is a problem, try eating smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day. The National Cancer Institute advises patients to have their biggest meal of the day whenever their appetite is the greatest -- which might mean having a calorie-and-protein-packed meal in the morning and lighter or even liquid meals later in the day.
Precautions
Chemo can make you more susceptible to infections, so plan to take special care storing and preparing foods, the National Cancer Institute advises. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, refrigerating leftovers promptly. Scrub fruits and vegetables well before eating or cutting them. Avoid foods such as raspberries that can't be scrubbed. Wash hands, knives and food-preparation surfaces, and don't cut fruits and vegetables on the same board you use for meats. Cook meat, poultry and eggs completely through, and don't eat raw fish or shellfish. Make sure juice, milk and honey are pasteurized. Don't eat at buffets or salad bars.
Other Tips
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other liquids while you are having chemo, the National Cancer Institute advises. But you may want to limit alcohol, which can irritate mouth sores that develop with some kinds of treatment. The American Cancer Society advises against using supplements that provide more than 100 percent of any vitamins or dietary supplements, including antioxidants. Focus on eating well, which can help you feel better, maintain your strength and energy and get you through your treatments and heal more quickly.
